Within 24 hours of VD Satheesan taking office as Chief Minister, the Shuhain murder case has witnessed a dramatic development. Five accused, including the notorious criminal Akash Thillankeri, have been identified by a witness in court.

The case dates back to February 12, 2018, when Idiyannoor Shuhain, a Youth Congress leader, was brutally attacked and killed by a gang at a street food joint called Uri in Mattannur. Shuhain was sitting with friends when a white Maruti WagonR without a number plate pulled up, and a group armed with swords and axes attacked them.

Riyas, who was with Shuhain at the time of the attack and was also injured, testified before Additional District Sessions Judge Rubi K Thomas in Thalassery. He stated that he, Shuhain, and Noushad had gone to Chalode to fill petrol, and on their way back, they stopped at Uri eatery. While they were paying for tea, a white car without a number plate stopped nearby, and the armed gang attacked them.

Initially, witness examination had been paused after the family demanded a special prosecutor for the case. The trial has now resumed, with witness examination continuing until June 14. The prosecution presented two swords and an axe used in the murder as evidence in court.

Eleven accused were originally listed in the charge sheet. Six more were added later during the investigation. The accused include Akash Thillankeri, Rajil Raj, Jidin, Deepchand, TK Askar, K Baiju, PV Anwar, Sadath, Akhil, Sanjay, Sangeeth, Avinash, Nijil KP, Prashanth, Subin, and Prajith. Most of them are CPI-M workers and supporters.

As many as 142 witnesses are to be examined in total. In the first phase, 137 witnesses including investigation officers will be deposed. Youth Congress workers have stated they are determined to ensure maximum punishment for the accused.